Welcome to Whitken & Co.! We are a design studio and lifestyle blog based in Anderson, SC. Our goal is to help you create a beautiful functional, and healing home for you and your family to live, work, play in, and share with others.

It's been a couple of weeks since I did a round up! The last two weekends we were out of town photographing a wedding and fall portraits and got to see some beautiful fall colors up in the Virginia mountains. I missed doing theses round ups, though as they are a lot of fun for me to pull together for you! So without further adieu, here you go!

Something to Eat

Skinny Pumpkin Mug Cake

I'm seriously thinking of trying this today since it's so simple and quick and has the word skinny in it. That means it's healthy, right? (recipehere)

Something to Read

The Decoration of Houses

I've just started reading this gem on home decoration and design by Alexander Stoddard, and I'm loving it. If you love interior styling and decorating and want to learn more, this book is for you. If you like looking at pretty pictures, not so much, but it is a fabulous resource!

Something to Watch

Fixer Upper

I already highlighted Chip and Joanna Gaines' show, Fixer Upper, on the blog earlier this week, but it's so good I have to mention it again. The first season is on Netflix, and if you haven't watched this show, you should. I've learned so much, and it is just a fun show to watch. Even your husband will enjoy this design show. I can't watch it without mine ;)

Washi Tape Candles

Someone to Follow

Joanna Gaines

Alright, I promise this is the last time I will mention the Gaines' this week! ;) In addition to the show, Joanna also has a blog, where she shares some simple diy's and recipes and some about their business. Also, you can follow both her and Chip on Instagram. (You can visit the blog here. You can follow Joann's Instagramhere. You can follow Chip's Instagram here)

We are onto the battle rounds of The Voice. This part of the competition is where we see the judges juggle their internal struggle of choosing between their contestants, and when the contestants internal character really starts showing through.

One of the things I've always noticed in every season I've watched of the Voice and which has held true this season, is that confidence is a must when it comes to performing and competing, but it can also be a stumbling block. Contestants who are given a song they've sung a thousand times or who have had experience performing or some amount of success rely on those thingst to carry them through the battle round. Those contestants who don't have as much experience performing or are not as familiar with a song often admit to being somewhat intimidated by their opponent.

The interesting thing, though, is almost every single time, the contestant with the least experience or knowledge of a song comes out ahead, mainly because their opponent was over confident and didn't feel they had to work as hard.

I love seeing an underdog, take that intimidation and turn it into motivation. It's such a lesson for us in life, and especially in business.

Just because we may have more experience, be a better artist or entrepreneur, does not mean that we are automatically going to come out ahead of everyone else. We have to keep hustling as if we weren't as good and keep looking to how we can be better.

And as the judges point out time and time again, it isn't always about who's the best, it's about who shows them they will work the hardest, and who brings the most passion to their work.

So, be confident, but don't let your confidence put you in a rut or make you lazy. Don't let it take away your heart. Get out there. Stay humble. Hustle hard. And wear your heart on your sleeve,

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Well, after 3 weeks, the blinds are officially over, and they were amazing. I always feel for the judges in the next round when the singers have to duke it out in what looks like an actual boxing ring. Ugh, it would just be so hard to choose. I mean, some of these artists are really amazing and equally matched. After seeing the previews, the judges have it in for themselves. May the force be with them and the odds ever in their favor. (What would we do without movie quotes, right?)

Today's post is short. There's just one theme that I really want to highlight. I've seen it come up each night of the show, and it's really stuck with me. And that theme is this:

Just because you've had some success doesn't mean you've made it, and doesn't mean you get to stop working for your dreams.

Some of these artists have had hits on the radio, had record deals, opened and toured with other famous artists, sang in front of thousands, and heck, even opened for the Olympics. They've had some success. But they haven't "made it," so to speak.

Just because you accomplish one goal or taste the sweetness of a success does not mean that you get to sleep in the next day and take a break. No. It means that you get to set your alarm and get up the next day and start climbing the next mountain. A goal reached or an opportunity in the spotlight does not mean that you have made it and from here on out everything else is a piece of cake. It means you get to hustle harder.

Even successful and famous people like our four judges are still out there putting in the work every day and that's what makes them stand out from the rest and allows them to keep doing what they love.

So, my mottos are these for right now. No matter what comes, whether it be failures or successes, just make like Dory and keep swimming and stay humble and hustle hard.

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